Doha, Qatar – April 02, 2026 – The opening day of the 2026 Qatar Equestrian Federation Cup CSI 5* & CSI 3* delivered a major international result alongside strong home and regional performances at the Longines Arena at Al Shaqab. A total of 166 riders from 22 nations competed at the event, which offered an overall prize money of €784,000.

Day 1 concluded with the feature €57,000 Speed Challenge CSI 5* in which Kristen Vanderveen (USA) and Starbuks 27 rose to the occasion. The American and the 2016 bay Holsteiner gelding (Stakkato x Colman) delivered the fastest clean round of the class to take top honours in 71.31 seconds.

A familiar duo on the podium, Gerfried Puck (AUT) and Equitron Naxcel were back to their old tricks, finishing second in 72.95 seconds.

Nasouh Kayali (JOR) and Kamacho P.S. posted the third-fastest fault-free performance of the 1.50m constest, thus rounding out the top three.

Final Results – €57,000 Speed Challenge CSI 5*

1) Kristen Vanderveen (USA) & Starbuks 27 – 0 – 71.31

2) Gerfried Puck (AUT) & Equitron Naxcel – 0 – 72.95

3) Nasouh Kayali (JOR) & Kamacho P.S. – 0 – 77.24

Source: Press Release from Doha Equestrian Tour

Photos: © DET / Lukasz Kowalski

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